New Hope continues to thrive 204 years later

ADAMSVILLE – Pioneer families from Lutheran and reformed churches in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland came together to settle in the lowlands of the Muskingum River in 1806. Many of them contracted a fever with chills and sweating called ague. It became apparent that they needed to move to higher ground where the air was more pure.

The Gaumer, Shroyer, Wert, Bainter and Shurts families packed their belongings and began a trek into the thick woods to find a new home. They finally settled in what we know as Adamsvillle.

They were looking for a new hope of health and prosperity in this new environment. Houses were built and in their search for spiritual growth they began conducting worship services in each other's homes.

In 1811, the Rev. Anthony Weyer organized New Hope Church. A central house of worship was constructed of logs on what is now the Adamsville-Otsego Road. It was built in 1814 on the south side of the road and stood, facing east, at the top of the present New Hope Cemetery. There were approximately 40 communing members.

The fledgling church sat on a 2-acre tract of land and was deeded by Jacob Gaumer in 1819 for $4. The first trustees were elected in 1816 and included Gaumer, Adam Bender, Daniel Gaumer, Philip Shroyer and Jacob Gaumer Jr.

The church constitution which was adopted in 1823 asserted that the house of worship was to be a "Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed Church." The constitution remained until June 8, 1872. For many years the congregation was known as Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Reformed faction ceased to exist.

The church grew rapidly under the guidance of the Rev. Samuel Kaemmerer. Records show he baptized 610 infants and confirmed 374 young people. Both German and English language services were held.

In 1838, the old log church had been strained well beyond its capacity and was replaced with a new brick church. Daniel Gaumer molded the bricks himself and it was constructed on the same site. The church was plain, but its dimensions were 36 X 48 feet.

The first parsonage of the New Hope parish, then consisting of three congregations including Zion and St. Paul Lutheran in Coshocton County, was purchased in January 1866, for $400. It was located on the Adamsville Road and the New Hope current parsonage stands on the site.

By 1870, the brick church had begun to deteriorate and was not large enough to accommodate all the members who attended. Jonathan Gaumer donated an acre and a half of ground across the road from the brick structure and the cornerstone of the present New Hope Lutheran Church was laid on May 14, 1870.

The new frame church was large enough to accommodate the congregation, but did not have an altar. It was dedicated May 28, 1871, and the total cost was $7,000. A bell was purchased from the German Lutheran Church in Zanesville for $250.

As the new church was being planned, dissension grew among the congregation. The General Synod and the English Synod of the Lutheran Church parted ways.

A minority of the congregation left the church and started Good Hope Lutheran Church on the ground beside the parsonage in Adamsville. Although the church closed its doors in 1975 and no longer exists, a bell marks the spot on the west side of Adamsville Road where it was.

In 1892, the New Hope Church was remodeled and an ornate yellow pine ceiling was added. In 1908, the church was once again modified. A small room was added to each side of the chancel and the church finally got an altar at a cost of $118. A pulpit was purchased for $85, a lectern for $35 and a baptismal font for $50.

The 204-year-old congregation continues to thrive today. "I've been told we are the eighth oldest church in Ohio and the fourth oldest Lutheran," Pastor Mary Molnar said. "We hope it goes on to celebrate 300 years."

Over the years many improvements have been made to the structure. A Sunday school room and kitchen with a social hall was added. Recently, a new addition was built behind the church with a much larger social hall.

"The people of the congregation are amazing," Molnar said. "We had been talking about it, but thought it wasn't financially feasible. The men had been talking about a new addition also and before we knew it they were breaking ground. At least five or more families consisting of fathers and sons worked together on it. Everyone in the congregation helped and 100 percent of the money was raised."

The new addition provides much needed space for funeral dinners and other receptions. The church is also growing in its outreach missions. The youth of the church are in the process of collecting non-perishable food items and money for Eastside Ministry in Zanesville.

The congregation is also collecting funds to send to Africa to help with a mission to combat Malaria. "Two children die each minute from the disease," Molnar said.

New Hope also contributes to the Lutheran World Relief Fund and they purchase goats or other farm animals for people who are in need overseas. "Whenever there is a need, the members of the congregation really step up to the plate," Molnar stated.

The generosity of its members isn't the only huge aspect of the New Hope Church. They are proud of the fact that outside their front entrance to the sanctuary they have the largest white cedar tree in the United States and it was named National Champion. Across the road is the New Hope Cemetery. It is one of the few churches that continues to support its own burial ground.

For the 200th birthday in 2011, members constructed a large quilt with each square representing one of the families in the church. It hangs in the sanctuary.

Also hanging in the church is a stained glass artwork depicting Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was originally part of Good Hope Church. "My grandfather attended Good Hope," said Bonnie Bowden, member of New Hope Lutheran Church. "My mom attended Zion. Everyone here is so caring. We are like related family here at New Hope."

At one time the small village of Adamsville had three Lutheran churches. The ornate altar in the Sunday School room at New Hope also came from the old Good Hope Church, but New Hope was the original and continues to thrive 204 years later.